Drug appears to treat Alzheimer's disease

A new study has found that a drug once approved as an antihistamine in Russia may be beneficial in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) found that patients who took the drug Dimebon experienced improvements in thinking processes and their ability to function.

The improvements continued over the course of the 12-month study, according to Dr Rachelle Doody, professor of neurology at BCM.

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The expert, whose study is published in the Lancet medical journal, said that she was 'encouraged' by the findings.

'As we continue research, we hope to replicate these results,' she said. 'My belief is that this drug will turn out to be useful for Alzheimer's disease, regardless of the stage of the disease.'

Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, commented: 'These initial findings imply that Dimebon could be more effective than treatments currently licensed for people with Alzheimer's.'

However, she noted that more research is needed to investigate the drug's true value.

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